10 things that were big on 90’s TV shows

The 90s were an era of great change in TV. With the rise of cable and satellite television, there were more channels than ever before, and with the Internet in its infancy, TV was still the primary source of entertainment for many people. In this article, we’ll take a look back at 10 things that were big on 90’s TV shows.

Slime

Slime was a staple of children’s TV shows in the 90s. It was often used in game shows and was made from a mixture of green food coloring, water, and a thickening agent. Slime was used as a punishment for contestants who answered questions incorrectly, and it quickly became synonymous with Nickelodeon’s game shows like Double Dare and GUTS. The slime was so popular that Nickelodeon started selling it in toy stores, and you could even buy a Slime-making kit.

Pranks

Pranks were also popular on 90s TV shows, with shows like Punk’d and Candid Camera taking the genre to new heights. Punk’d was a hidden camera show hosted by Ashton Kutcher, where he would play practical jokes on celebrities, including Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé. Candid Camera, on the other hand, was a more traditional hidden camera show that started in the 1940s but gained popularity in the 90s. The show was known for its pranks, which included a fake vending machine that would give out empty cans and a gas pump that sprayed unsuspecting drivers.

Celebrities

Celebrity culture really took off in the 90s, and TV shows were quick to jump on the bandwagon. Talk shows like Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer were popular because they gave viewers a glimpse into the lives of their favorite celebrities. MTV’s Total Request Live was also a big hit, as it gave fans the chance to vote for their favorite music videos and see the latest celebrity interviews. Shows like Access Hollywood and Entertainment Tonight provided daily updates on the latest celebrity news and gossip.

Live Music

Live music was a big part of 90s TV shows, with shows like MTV Unplugged and VH1 Storytellers showcasing the talents of popular musicians. MTV Unplugged was known for its stripped-down performances, where artists would perform their hit songs in an acoustic setting. Some of the most memorable performances include Nirvana’s cover of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World” and Eric Clapton’s acoustic version of “Layla.” VH1 Storytellers, on the other hand, gave musicians the chance to tell the stories behind their songs and perform them live.

Fails

Fails have always been a popular genre on TV, and the 90s were no exception. Shows like America’s Funniest Home Videos and World’s Wildest Police Videos showcased the best (or worst) fails caught on tape. America’s Funniest Home Videos was known for its home video submissions, where people would send in their funniest clips for a chance to win cash prizes. World’s Wildest Police Videos, on the other hand, showcased high-speed chases, shootouts, and other police-related fails.

Streakers

Streakers were a common occurrence at sporting events in the 90s, and they also made their way onto TV. In fact, streaking became such a phenomenon that TV shows started incorporating it into their programming. The most famous example of this was the episode of The Simpsons titled “Bart Gets Famous,” where Homer streaks across the field at a football game. Other shows like The Late Show with David Letterman and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno also had their fair share of streakers.

Fashion

Fashion was a huge part of 90s TV shows, with many iconic trends still influencing fashion today. One of the most notable trends was grunge fashion, popularized by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots were the staples of this style. Another trend that dominated the 90s was hip-hop fashion, with baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, and baseball caps becoming the norm. Even shows like Friends had a significant impact on fashion, with the “Rachel” haircut becoming one of the most popular hairstyles of the decade.

Game Shows

Game shows were a big part of 90s TV, with shows like Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? dominating the ratings. Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune were both long-running shows that started in the 80s but remained popular throughout the 90s. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? was a new show that debuted in 1999 and quickly became a phenomenon, with millions of viewers tuning in each week to see if contestants could answer the million-dollar question.

Superheroes

Superheroes have always been popular, but the 90s saw a resurgence of interest in the genre. TV shows like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Batman: The Animated Series became huge hits with kids and adults alike. The Power Rangers were a group of teenagers with special powers who fought evil aliens, while Batman: The Animated Series was a darker take on the character that drew inspiration from the comics. These shows paved the way for the superhero movies and TV shows that dominate pop culture today.

Reality TV

Reality TV exploded in popularity in the 90s, with shows like The Real World, Survivor, and Big Brother paving the way for the genre. The Real World was a groundbreaking show that followed a group of strangers living together in a house and dealing with real-life issues. Survivor, on the other hand, was a competition show where contestants were stranded on a deserted island and had to compete in challenges to win prizes. Big Brother was similar to The Real World but added a game element, with contestants being voted off the show each week.

In conclusion, the 90s were a decade of significant change in TV, with new channels and genres emerging. Slime, pranks, celebrities, live music, fails, streakers, fashion, game shows, superheroes, and reality TV were all big parts of 90s TV shows. Many of these trends continue to influence TV and pop culture today, proving that the 90s were truly a golden age of television.